"Governor Paterson
tonight laid out the extraordinary budget challenges faced by New York State,
and all New Yorkers should appreciate that he is moving now - rather than
waiting until next year or until after the next election - to tackle the serious
problems we face. As we've seen in New York City, government budget cuts
never come easy but can be done. The Governor demonstrated that he is
ready to stand up to the interest groups that will no doubt protest before the
Statehouse, just as they took to the steps of City Hall earlier this year.
Tonight's speech was an urgent call to action, and the Governor has my support
in developing solutions that work for the people of the City and the
State."